This study was initiated by the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) under UK Civil
Aviation Authority funding. The study was undertaken against a background
trend of generally increasing body dimensions within the European population.
This trend, when combined with an increasing number of longer duration flights
and high density seating, prompted the need for a wide-ranging review of
published anthropometric data that would guide JAA when considering the need
for any regulation in this area.
It should be noted that this report concentrates on the safety issues associated with
seating arrangements. The specific aim is to ensure that seating standards are such
that passengers would be able to quickly evacuate an aircraft in the event of an
emergency. Thus, the study considers seating accommodation against expected
population body dimensions. Software modelling has been used to make an initial
assessment of the relationship between seating dimensions and evacuation
difficulties. The health implications of aircraft seating are also considered.
However, the comfort aspects of aircraft seating did not form part of the research
This report was prepared for the Joint Aviation Authorities.